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Give with purpose: 5 social enterprises for gifts with impact

20 September 2024

Sector News

Liam Harley
Digital Content Specialist

Make your gift-giving count by shopping with certified social enterprises.

Make your gift-giving count

Image: Brainwave Bikes

This holiday season, make your gift-giving count by shopping with certified social enterprises. Whether you're buying for loved ones, staff, or clients, you can choose presents that not only delight but also support positive change.

Certified social enterprises focus on creating social and environmental impact through high-quality products and services. They have various impact models:

providing employment and training for marginalised people;
delivering accessible products and services to meet community needs; and
redistributing profits by donating at least 50% of profit or revenue to charity partners.

Some even combine all three! With over 750+ certified social enterprises in Australia, your purchase can help drive real change.

Why buy gifts from social enterprises?

Your purchase does more than buy a product: Every dollar with a social enterprise goes beyond a simple transaction. A portion of revenue is reinvested into social, environmental, or community causes - meaning your gift supports a larger mission.

You can give with confidence: Being certified matters. Social Traders certification ensures the social enterprise meets independently verified standards, so you're not just taking a brand's word for it. You can trust that the social impact claims are legitimate and these businesses are truly delivering on their purpose.

You support a better alternative economic model: Buying from social enterprises helps prove that business can be a force for good. Your consumer choice sends a market signal that people value purpose alongside profit, encouraging more businesses to adopt ethical and sustainable models.

Find social enterprise gifts

Not sure where to start? Use our Social Enterprise Finder to discover a variety of gifts that support meaningful causes. Whether you need handmade, eco-friendly, or unique gifts, we’ve got you covered.

Check out gifts from some of our Grow Program participants:

HoMie

Support young people experiencing homelessness with HoMie, a Melbourne-based streetwear brand. All profits fund the HoMie Pathway Alliance, which provides retail training and job opportunities for disadvantaged youth. Gifting HoMie’s stylish streetwear helps young people overcome hardship and gain valuable skills.

Brainwave Bikes

Choose Brainwave Bikes for an eco-friendly gift. They refurbish second-hand bicycles, reducing landfill waste and supporting Brainwave Australia, a charity that aids children with brain illnesses. Their work experience programs for young people with disabilities make every bike purchase a gift that supports families in need and benefits the environment.

The Beautiful Bunch

Brighten someone’s day with flowers from The Beautiful Bunch, a Melbourne florist that creates job opportunities for women from refugee backgrounds. Every bouquet helps these women build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the workforce. Enjoy beautiful flowers while making a social impact.

SisterWorks

Find unique, handmade gifts from SisterWorks. This certified social enterprise helps women from refugee and migrant backgrounds achieve financial independence through their crafts. Each purchase supports these women’s empowerment and financial security.

Green Collect

Choose Green Collect for quality second-hand furniture, IT and electrical equipment, ethical products and notebooks. Every purchase supports waste reduction while creating job opportunities for disadvantaged job seekers in the resource recovery sector.

Give with purpose this holiday season

By buying from certified social enterprises, you’re not just giving gifts. You’re helping to build a fairer and more equitable Australia. It’s easy to create a positive impact with every purchase.

Ready to start shopping? Visit our Social Enterprise Finder today to discover gifts that give back.